CU-TE Compact Ultrasonic Meter

Combining ease of installation (non-intrusive pipe clamp-on), high accuracy, no moving parts, reliability, low maintenance, rangeability and no pressure drop, Cadillac® CU-TE Compact Ultrasonic flow meters have become the fastest growing liquid flow technology in the world today.

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The Cadillac® Ultrasonic Flow Meters are rate and totalizing meters which are capable of measuring liquids, of all types, non-intrusively. Due to the CT-TE Compact design size (0.5” to 2.5”), it is particularly suitable as a low cost solution for Hot and Chilled water measurements.

Integrating Digital Processing (DSP) with advanced correlation detection methods, the flow meter features exceptional performance and flexibility. Combining ease of installation (non-intrusive pipe clamp-on), high accuracy, no moving parts, reliability, low maintenance, rangeability and no pressure drop, the Cadillac® CU-TE Compact Ultrasonic flow meter have become the fastest growing liquid flow technology in the world today.

As an option the Cadillac® CU-TE Compact Meter is an Energy Calculator designed to measure energy consumed in hot water heating and chilled water cooling systems. Supplied with temperature sensors, the calculator integrates the Cadillac® Ultrasonic Flow Meter to provide a low cost flexibility to meet all application needs. Modes of operation include: Heating and Cooling.

With fuel costs still on the rise and a need for improvement in energy measurement in smaller building spaces, Cadillac® is ready to introduce a low cost, compact Energy Measurement System to address these
requirements.

The Cadillac® CU-TE Compact BTU Meter is designed to measure the energy consumed in hot water heating and chilled water cooling systems. The meter is a rate and totalizing device, which can calculate and display Volume, Energy, and Temperatures.

The Cadillac® CU-TE Compact BTU / Energy Meter measures the temperature in the feed and return lines via two RTD transmitters and from this calculates the density and enthalpy of the water. In addition, by also measuring the volume of water flowing in the system via the Cadillac® flow meter, the CU-TE Compact will then compute, display, and output the Energy consumed.

The New Industry Standard

 

Combining Cadillac®’s CU-TE Compact ultrasonic flow meter with advanced electronics and the capability for temperature inputs the CU-TE Compact BTU / Energy meter is quickly become acknowledged as the industry standard. Customers choose the Cadillac® CU-TE Compact BTU / Energy Meter because of
proven: accuracy, dependability, consistency, maintenance and rangeability.

Technical Product Guide

CU-TE-C Compact Ultrasonic Flow / Energy Meter

Technical guidance for selecting and applying the CU-TE-C non-intrusive clamp-on meter for small-pipe liquid flow, heating hot-water energy and chilled-water energy measurement.

Compact Clamp-On Measurement

CU-TE-C Product Overview

The Cadillac CU-TE-C is an ultrasonic rate and totalizing meter designed for external clamp-on installation on small rigid pipes. It measures liquid flow through the pipe wall without cutting into the pipeline or placing moving components in the process stream.

When configured as an energy or BTU meter, the CU-TE-C combines measured water flow with feed- and return-line temperature data. The instrument can calculate and display volume, energy and temperature for heating hot-water and chilled-water systems.

Non-Intrusive Installation

External clamp-on transducers measure flow without process penetration, pipe cutting or an added obstruction in the flow path.

Small-Pipe Coverage

The available size range is 0.50 to 2.50 inches, with a minimum measurable pipe inside diameter of 0.50 inch.

Local and Remote Data

A 256 × 128 LCD provides on-device information, while configurable outputs can transmit measurement data to a PLC or central control system.

Available measurement duties: flow-only measurement or combined flow and thermal-energy measurement for heating and cooling applications.

Flow, Heating and Cooling

Applications and Operating Principle

Typical Applications

The CU-TE-C is intended for clean, single-phase liquid measurement in small-pipe systems where a non-intrusive installation is preferred. Typical duties include:

  • Chilled-water flow and cooling-energy measurement
  • Heating hot-water flow and energy measurement
  • Building-services and HVAC submetering
  • Clean water and compatible process-liquid flow monitoring

Ultrasonic Transit-Time Measurement

The external transducers send ultrasonic signals with and against the direction of liquid flow. The instrument compares the signals’ travel times and uses digital processing to determine liquid velocity, flow rate and totalized volume.

Because the transducers remain outside the pipe, the meter introduces no moving components or additional obstruction into the measurement path.

Energy / BTU Measurement

In energy mode, the CU-TE-C combines measured water volume with feed- and return-line temperature data from the PT1000 temperature-sensor arrangement. The meter uses this information to calculate and display the thermal energy transferred by the heating or cooling system.

Liquid requirement: Water or another compatible single liquid medium without solid particles or impurities. Expected liquid condition, pipe material and operating temperature must be confirmed during meter selection.

Practical System Advantages

Features and Benefits

The CU-TE-C combines non-intrusive ultrasonic measurement with a compact enclosure, local display and configurable communications. Its clamp-on arrangement is designed to simplify installation while keeping the measurement components outside the process liquid.

External Clamp-On Design

Flow is measured through the pipe wall without placing the ultrasonic transducers directly in the liquid.

No Added Pressure Drop

The meter does not introduce a flow obstruction or moving component into the process piping.

Reduced Installation Disruption

Clamp-on measurement can avoid pipe cutting and the extended shutdown associated with installing an inline meter.

No Moving Measurement Parts

The transit-time measurement method avoids mechanical components in the liquid stream that could wear or obstruct flow.

Flow or Energy Configuration

Select flow-only measurement or combined flow and heat measurement with the PT1000 temperature-sensor arrangement.

Configurable Outputs

Choose two outputs from 4–20 mA, Modbus RS485, OCT frequency and one relay, subject to final factory confirmation.

Local LCD Display

The 256 × 128 LCD provides direct access to flow and configured measurement information at the device.

Retained Measurement Data

EEPROM storage is listed for more than ten years and more than one million data read/write cycles.

Accuracy: Manufacturer-listed accuracy is ±2%, or ±1% after calibration. Confirm the required calibration and complete application conditions during meter selection.

Typical Energy Arrangement

Heating and Chilled-Water System Layout

The CU-TE-C can be configured for chilled-water cooling or heating hot-water energy measurement. In the illustrated arrangement, the clamp-on meter measures flow on the feed line while temperature measurements from the feed and return lines support the thermal-energy calculation.

The meter operates from a 10–24 VDC power supply and can be configured with two selected outputs for connection to monitoring or control equipment.

CU-TE-C ultrasonic chilled-water and heating hot-water energy-system layout showing feed and return lines, power supply, temperature sensing and output choices
Typical CU-TE-C chilled-water and heating hot-water energy-measurement arrangements for 0.50- to 2.50-inch pipe sizes. Select two outputs from 4–20 mA, Modbus RS485, OCT frequency and relay.

Chilled-Water Service

Flow and temperature data are used to calculate the energy transferred by a chilled-water cooling system.

Heating Hot-Water Service

Flow and temperature data are used to calculate the energy transferred by a heating hot-water system.

Installation note: This is a conceptual system layout. Confirm actual flow direction, transducer positioning, temperature-sensor locations, electrical connections and output configuration before installation.

Measurement and Environmental Data

Technical Specifications

The following values are consolidated from the CU-TE-C manufacturer brochure and existing product documentation. Confirm final specifications for the selected pipe, liquid, temperature range and output configuration.

Specification Manufacturer-Listed Value
Pipe material Metal; PVC, PP or PVDF rigid plastic pipe
Liquid type Water or another single liquid medium without solid particles or impurities
Available pipe sizes 0.50 to 2.50 inches
Minimum measurable inside diameter 0.50 inch
Transducer temperature ranges T1: 0–150°F; T2: 0–240°F; no freezing on the pipe surface
Low-velocity cutoff 0.33 ft/s, factory default
Accuracy ±2%; ±1% after calibration
Response time 0.5–60 seconds
Display 256 × 128 LCD
Data-storage period 300 ms
Data backup EEPROM; more than 10 years of storage and more than one million read/write cycles
Power and I/O connection M12-type aviation plug
Standard analog output 4–20 mA
Communication Modbus RS485
Additional output options OCT pulse/frequency output or one relay alarm; contact the factory
Output selection Choose two from 4–20 mA, Modbus RS485, OCT frequency and relay
Power supply 10–24 VDC
Power consumption Less than 3 W
Protective circuits Reverse-polarity, power-surge, output-short-circuit and output-surge protection
Enclosure protection IP65
Ambient temperature −10 to 60°C; no freezing
Relative humidity 35–85% RH; no condensation
Vibration resistance 10–55 Hz; 1.5 mm double amplitude; two hours in each X, Y and Z axis
Impact resistance 100 m/s²; 16 ms pulse; 1,000 times each for the X, Y and Z axes
Main material Aluminum and industrial plastics
Standard cable lengths Ultrasonic sensor: 6.5 ft; PT1000 temperature sensor: 30 ft

Selection requirement: Accuracy and performance depend on correct pipe data, liquid condition, transducer selection, mounting and calibration. Confirm the complete application with Cadillac Meter before ordering.

Size-Specific Selection Data

Flow Range and Dimensions

CU-TE-C models cover pipe sizes from 0.50 to 2.50 inches. Selection must be based on the actual pipe inside diameter, pipe material and expected operating flow—not nominal pipe size alone.

Upper Flow Values

Pipe Size Upper Flow Value
0.50 in. 15 GPM
0.75 in. 25 GPM
1.00 in. 50 GPM
1.25 in. 80 GPM
1.50 in. 105 GPM
2.00 in. 155 GPM
2.50 in. 260 GPM

The minimum measurable pipe inside diameter is 0.50 inch. These are manufacturer-listed upper flow values.

Overall Dimensions

Size Group Length Body Dimension Overall Height
0.50–1.50 in. 5.47 in. 2.80 in. 3.74 in.
2.00–2.50 in. 5.67 in. 4.13 in. 4.92 in.

Allow Installation Clearance

Overall meter dimensions do not include every possible cable, connector or access requirement. Confirm the space needed for mounting, wiring, display access and future maintenance.

Important: Confirm the current dimensional drawing and actual pipe inside diameter before fabrication, purchasing or installation. Nominal pipe sizes can have different inside diameters depending on material and schedule.

Configuration and Ordering

CU-TE-C Model Code Matrix

The model code identifies the required pipe size, liquid, measurement function, cable lengths, transducer temperature range and output combination. Use the matrix as selection guidance and have the final code confirmed by Cadillac Meter.

Code Position Available Codes and Meanings
Pipe Size A = 0.50 in.  |  B = 0.75 in.  |  C = 1.00 in.  |  D = 1.25 in.  |  E = 1.50 in.  |  F = 2.00 in.  |  G = 2.50 in.
Fluid Type 1 = Water  |  2 = Other liquid; application details must be provided
Measurement Function F = Flow  |  H = Flow/heat with PT1000 temperature sensor
Ultrasonic Sensor Cable S = Standard 6.5 ft length  |  X = Custom cable length in feet
Transducer Type T1 = 0–150°F  |  T2 = 0–240°F
Outputs — Choose Two A = 4–20 mA  |  M = Modbus RS485  |  O = OCT frequency  |  R = One relay
Temperature Sensor Length N = No temperature sensor  |  30 = Standard 30 ft  |  50 = 50 ft extension  |  80 = 80 ft extension
Model Code Structure

CU-TE-C-[PIPE]-[FLUID]-[F/H]-[CABLE]-[T1/T2]-[OUTPUT 1]-[OUTPUT 2]-[TEMP LENGTH]

Output Selection

The brochure directs users to choose two of the four listed output types. Confirm compatibility and the final ordered combination with the factory.

Final Code Confirmation

Do not infer fluid suitability, sensor requirements or cable lengths from an incomplete code. Submit the full application details before purchasing.

Information to Confirm Before Ordering

Selection and Installation Guidance

Correct selection depends on more than nominal pipe size. Provide complete process, piping, temperature, measurement and controls information so the transducer, cable and output configuration can be checked before ordering.

Process Liquid

Identify the liquid and disclose its composition, expected condition, concentration and any possibility of solids, impurities or entrained gas. The listed application is a single liquid medium without solid particles or impurities.

Pipe Details

Provide the pipe material, nominal size, exact inside diameter, wall thickness and available mounting area. Inside diameter is critical because nominal pipe sizes vary by material and schedule.

Flow and Temperature Conditions

State the expected minimum, normal and maximum flow rates, liquid temperature and ambient temperature. Select the T1 transducer for 0–150°F or T2 for 0–240°F, subject to application confirmation.

Measurement Duty

Specify flow-only measurement or heating/cooling energy measurement. Energy applications require the appropriate PT1000 temperature-sensor arrangement and sufficient temperature-sensor cable length.

Output and Controls Integration

Identify the receiving controller and choose two required outputs from 4–20 mA, Modbus RS485, OCT frequency and one relay. Confirm the final combination and communication requirements with the factory.

Power, Environment and Access

Provide a 10–24 VDC power supply and verify the IP65 enclosure, ambient-temperature and humidity requirements. Allow suitable space for mounting, connectors, cables, display access and maintenance.

Pipe and Mounting Preparation

The selected mounting area must provide appropriate pipe condition, access and clearance for the clamp-on assembly. Follow the supplied installation instructions for transducer position and pipe preparation.

Avoid Freezing and Condensation

Manufacturer data specifies no freezing on the pipe surface and an ambient humidity range of 35–85% RH without condensation.

Final installation requirement: Verify flow direction, sensor positioning, pipe data, electrical connections and configured outputs before commissioning. The application schematic is conceptual and does not replace the instructions supplied with the selected meter.

Downloadable Technical Resources

CU-TE-C Documents

Use the consolidated technical guide for a complete product overview. The original manufacturer brochure and application layout remain available below for supporting technical reference.

Recommended

Technical Product Guide

Consolidated CU-TE-C guide covering operation, applications, specifications, flow range, dimensions, model codes and selection.

View Technical Guide
Original Document

Manufacturer Brochure

Original CU-TE-C brochure containing manufacturer specifications, size drawings, flow values and the model-code matrix.

View Original Brochure
Application Diagram

Ultrasonic Flow Layout

Original chilled-water and heating hot-water layout showing the meter, power supply, line arrangement and available output types.

View Flow Layout
Application Support

Specify the CU-TE-C With Confidence

Send Cadillac Meter your pipe, liquid, temperature, flow-range, energy-measurement and output requirements. The team can confirm the appropriate configuration for your application.